Burn plaque and igniter system for fire trainers

Abstract

A system is presented for training emergency personnel in the control, containment, and extinguishment of fires. The system includes an array of waterless burn plaques in selective communication with a pressurized source of combustible gas, such as propane. A flameless igniter is associated with each burn plaque, each flameless igniter igniting the combustible gas emitted from the associated burn plaque. When activated, the igniter is continuously operating, emitting electrical sparks across a gap between electrodes and operating substantially unaffected by its environment. Being waterless, the burn plaques are of a low profile and present minimal interference with trainees maneuvering thereabout.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A fire trainer system, comprising:
 an array of waterless burn plaques in selective communication with a source of combustible gas; 
 a flameless igniter associated with each burn plaque, each said flameless igniter igniting said combustible gas emitted from said associated burn plaque; and 
 wherein said flameless igniter is connected to a high-voltage coil driven by a pulse generator, said pulse generator being activated by a battery, said igniter, battery, high-voltage coil, and pulse generator being maintained by a box, and wherein said igniter extends from an interior to an exterior of said box, and further comprises a shield covering an external portion of said igniter. 
 
     
     
       2. The fire trainer system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a valved manifold interposed between said source of combustible gas and said array of burn plaques and effecting said selective communication. 
     
     
       3. The fire trainer system according to  claim 1 , further comprising a switch interposed between said battery and said pulse generator, said switch selectively interconnecting said pulse generator with said battery. 
     
     
       4. The fire trainer system according to  claim 3 , wherein said pulse generator is configured to emit pulses of a predetermined amplitude and frequency. 
     
     
       5. The fire trainer system according to  claim 1 , wherein said box is of external metallic construction having fireproof panels affixed to internal surfaces thereof. 
     
     
       6. The fire trainer system according to  claim 1 , wherein said shield is semi-cylindrical. 
     
     
       7. The fire trainer system according to  claim 1 , further comprising an enclosure extending from an exterior wall of said box, said enclosure containing said switch and a battery charging connector. 
     
     
       8. The fire trainer system according to  claim 7 , wherein said enclosure is selectively accessible by removal of a threaded cap. 
     
     
       9. A fire trainer system, comprising:
 an array of waterless burn plaques in selective communication with a source of combustible gas; 
 a flameless igniter associated with each burn plaque, each said flameless igniter igniting said combustible gas emitted from said associated burn plaque; and 
 wherein said burn plaques comprise a base receiving thereon a gas line matrix, at least a portion of said matrix of gas line having gas-emitting apertures therein, and a fiberglass woven roving mat covering said base and matrix of gas line. 
 
     
     
       10. The fire trainer system according to  claim 9 , wherein said igniter extends from an interior to an exterior of box, and further comprises a shield covering an external portion of said igniter. 
     
     
       11. The fire trainer system according to  claim 9 , further comprising a perforated steel sheet covering said woven roving mat. 
     
     
       12. The fire trainer system according to  claim 11 , further comprising a frame secured to said base and sandwiching said gas line matrix, woven roving and perforated steel sheet therebetween. 
     
     
       13. The fire trainer system according to  claim 9 , wherein said array of waterless burn plaques is configured to replicate a specifically contemplated fire hazard. 
     
     
       14. The fire trainer system according to  claim 13 , wherein said box has a carry handle and no external hard wiring or gas line plumbing connected to said box.